Halima Shehu, the former head of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), has firmly denied accusations that she misappropriated N44 billion for personal use. Her suspension by President Bola Tinubu in January 2024 stemmed from reports of unauthorized account withdrawals, yet Shehu asserts that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigation failed to produce any evidence of diverted funds in her possession or among her associates.
During a recent television interview, Shehu clarified that financial transfers during her tenure were conducted through verified payment service providers and commercial banks, following standard protocols for beneficiary disbursements. She noted that these payment channels were established prior to her appointment and operated under Central Bank regulations.
Shehu emphasized that she had identified irregularities shortly after starting the role in October 2023. She claims to have reported these unauthorized transactions to both the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) before her suspension. She maintains that her proactive reporting of financial breaches should have earned her commendation rather than removal. She is currently calling on the federal government to finalize the investigations and restore her professional reputation, insisting that she has remained transparent and fully cooperative with authorities throughout the process.
